Why Are Parabens Bad for Hair, and How Can I Avoid Them?

Many modern hair care products contain complex synthetic preservatives called parabens that keep mold and bacteria at bay. Sadly, these ingredients can harm your hair and your health. Read on to learn more about parabens and how The Earthling Co. can help you make safer choices that keep your hair looking soft and healthy.

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are a group of related chemical preservatives that are frequently added to hair care products like shampoo and conditioner. Ingredients such as methylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, and ethylparaben can inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and microorganisms when they are added to cosmetics and personal care products. When used with other preservatives, these parabens can extend a product’s shelf life.

Unfortunately, research indicates that parabens are endocrine disruptors that can harm your health. Daily exposure to these chemicals can irritate your skin and damage your hair.

Which Products Contain Parabens?

Parabens are found in many water-based liquid personal care products. Cosmetics, moisturizers, shaving creams, and hair treatments commonly contain these chemicals, which can pass through your skin and travel through your body.

Why Are Parabens Bad for Your Hair?

Many people are sensitive to parabens, which have been known to cause allergic contact dermatitis and irritation that can make your scalp feel itchy and tight. Problems with your scalp can affect the growth and condition of your hair. If your hair becomes dry, brittle, dull, unmanageable, and susceptible to split ends, parabens may be the culprit. These chemicals can also cause your color to fade and contribute to hair loss.

Are There Natural Alternatives to Parabens?

It’s possible to find paraben-free hair care products that contain natural preservatives. Many organic acids like salicylic acid, benzoic acid, and sorbic acid can be used as naturally derived, plant-based agents to prevent your shampoo and conditioner from spoiling. These acids kill fungi by breaking down their cellular membranes.

In our shampoo and conditioner sets, there are no parabens, fillers, preservatives, or silicones. Instead, our shampoo bars include coconut oil to help boost moisture, apricot seed oil to soften hair, panthenol (vitamin B5) to restore shine, and glycerin to keep your hair hydrated. Our conditioner bars include glycerin and panthenol but also have jojoba oil to easily penetrate the hair and avoid moisture loss. These are both great for all hair types including curly hair and color-treated hair.

How To Avoid Parabens?

The best way to avoid parabens is to avoid using products containing them. Many hair care products will indicate on the front of the packaging that they are paraben-free. You can also check the product’s ingredient list. Another way to steer clear of parabens is to shop intentionally and stop using liquid shampoos and conditioners altogether.

Instead, make the switch to natural dry shampoo, shampoo bars, and solid conditioner bars that will nourish your hair without harming you or the environment. Our shampoo and conditioner bars have the added benefit of being sustainable, low-waste hair care choices: using no plastic or water, taking up less space, and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Swapping out your shampoo and conditioner for low-waste options is a simple way to start incorporating eco-friendly products into your routine.

Keep Your Hair Lovely With Paraben-free Care

When shopping for hair care products, making intentional choices will help you stay healthy and keep your locks soft and shiny. The Earthling Co. is proud to offer paraben-free dry shampoos, shampoo bars, and conditioner bars full of earth-friendly ingredients. Our sustainable, plastic-free beauty products go easy on the environment while helping you to look and feel your best. The Earthling Co. offers the very best in clean, thoughtfully made hair care.